Expanded Availability of At-home COVID-19 Tests for People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
Last month, the Biden-Harris Administration launched an initiative to expand the availability of at-home testing options that are more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. The tests work with a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone app to provide users with audible instructions and test results. Read more about the tests [click.connect.hhs.gov]. Due to very limited supplies…
Read MoreA new report by The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies Sheds Light on housing cost burdens and challenges
A new report by The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies finds that the share of households reporting difficulties using or navigating their home jumps from 8 percent of those aged 65–79 to 18 percent of those age 80 and older. Strengthening the connections between housing and services is needed to support the health and…
Read MoreGovernor McKee, RIHousing Announce Historic $80M Investment for Affordable Housing Across Rhode Island
Governor Dan McKee today joined with Rhode Island Housing to announce a historic investment of more than $80 million to create and preserve more than 875 homes across the state. Of these, over 800 will be affordable units. Read the full press release here: https://bit.ly/3zGMee3
Read MoreImproving Behavioral Health Care For Older Americans: If Not Now, When?
A recently published article in Health Affairs highlights the behavioral health disparities that older adults contend with. Behavioral health needs of older adults are often not identified or addressed, despite almost 20% meeting the criteria for a mental health diagnosis. The authors argue that we need more creative evidence-based solutions to effectively address key challenges…
Read MoreOlder Americans Month (OAM) 2022
Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). In 2022, ACL will be focusing on aging in place – how older adults can plan to stay in their homes and live independently in their communities for as long as possible. The 2022 theme is Age My…
Read MoreNew Report From the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine identifies critical opportunities to improve the quality of care in nursing homes
With support from a coalition of sponsors, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine formed the Committee on the Quality of Care in Nursing Homes to examine how the United States delivers, finances, regulates, and measures the quality of nursing home care. The committee’s investigation led to several key conclusions about the current state…
Read More2022 Elder Justice Summit
The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office and AARP RI are hosting the Elder Justice Summit on Fri, May 20th from 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM. The program will feature experts and advocates across the state that work to protect older adults. Speakers: • Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha • Catherine Taylor,…
Read MoreTransportation Planning Grants Will Address Transportation Inequities in Nine Communities Across the Country
The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) has announced a new round of funding to support the development of program innovations and new models for equitable and accessible transportation to meet the needs of vulnerable and underserved populations, especially older adults and people with disabilities from diverse communities. NADTC has awarded $173,495 in competitive…
Read MoreRIPTA To Host 4 Listening Sessions To Inform Coordinated Plan
RIPTA is working with the statewide Human Services Transportation Coordinating Council to prepare a 2022 update of the Rhode Island Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Coordinated Plan. This plan is updated every five years to consider the changing transportation needs of individuals with disabilities, older adults, and people with low incomes; provide strategies for meeting those needs; and prioritize services…
Read MoreNotice of Grant Opportunity with OHA & EOHHS for the Person-Centered Options Counseling (PCOC) pilot program
The Office of Healthy Aging is part of the multi- year, interagency, No Wrong Door Initiative team led by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). The No Wrong Door Initiatives focuses on redesigning the State’s system of long-term services and support (LTSS) to improve consumer access and choice. One of the centerpieces…
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